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The Road to Web designing

Art Illustrations

Do you want to look great?

15 October 2011

Textures, having been identified as versatile when it comes to its usage in Web Design has captured many artists and have been widely used. With its variety, the visual interest it adds to your design becomes achievable enough. These have been used commonly yet with the artistic ways of creating something new out of many, leads to a masterpiece. May they be just accents to your design or for its every aspect. We have already posted quite a number of textures you may choose or you could’ve have chosen from in the past so we just thought of sharing some tips with you today.

In this modern way of Web Design, there should be knowledge and there should be balance. You’d know what fits where… So here are Tips you may make use in choosing the perfect textures for your Web Designs…

1. Less becomes more.

In effective web design, it doesn’t have to be very detailed. Let it convey the message you are trying to point out. Less textured details that fits your site, more users.

2. Let features match with audience.

You have to be sure of who your audience is so to be able to decide which texture/s would be best for the whole site. From the wide array of textures, it would be confusing when you are not yet sure who the viewers will be.

3. Make it simply overwhelming.

When deciding to make it look simple, take into consideration how to give a variation. The eye may rest in one color but with a few details, it makes the site look simple yet interesting.

4. Do not overdo.

Colors and its artistic appearance matters but effectively combining both is superb. It depends upon the particular texture that goes perfectly with your planned structure. Textured yet less background colors.

5. Cohesiveness to the site is a plus.

Incorporating the texture to its headers and footers would make the site look more cohesive. Everything goes perfectly smooth.

6. Multiple textures should go subtly with all the others.

When using a variety of textures, bear in mind that not all of them may go together. You may maintain a scheme of monochromatic color to enhance the effect instead.

7. Wisely choose the one that adds visual interest.

Echoing the textured background into the other pages becomes effective. It gives the eyes rest and swiflty goes about the other features of the site.

8. When content is minimal, heavy use of textures may work.

Be cautious when deciding to use textures heavily. It overwhelms the content when not wisely thought of but it works perfectly as long as the site’s content is minimal.

9. It doesn’t have to fill the whole design.

It doesn’t really have to fill everything in the site. Textures may just be used in headers and sidebars. This adds impact too even wheen the rest of the background is just white.

10. Try combining subtle patterns with subtletextures.

Would you want your desing to look elegant and make its appeal stand out? You may combine subtle textures with subtle patterns where it creates a unique and refined after effect.

11. Consider the difference it will make for the site.

When the Web Design is required to look simple, it may look so boring so as the designer, make sure that it won’t be classified as site that’s very minimalist. You don’t just choose it with a click but with passion as well.

12. Make sure the appeal is convincing.

Deciding on the final output with all its final touches may it be designed minimally but with highlighted textures or may they have been heavily texturized, make sure that it takes your viewers to how you have made them expect with your style. It should rock with all the other pages when it already rocked the homepage.

Overall, whatever texture perfectly fits your web design, the end result must be fulfilling. Its initial reaction fascinating and ends convincing. Whoever the audience may be, it is always important to please them with the first glance and satisfy them till the last. The secret here is how swiftly and wisely you get to finally think of the “Image” of your site so you would be able to determine which perfect textures to use and who would be your site visitors…

10 October 2011

Websites have different designs as an aftermath of the creative minds of web designers. Indeed, their creativity could surpass the limits of one’s imagination for their outputs are always better than what we expect it to be. A website background plays a vital role and creates a great impact to the entire web design. Hence, one should be able to work well on the background as well on the other parts of the design.

There are so many ways on designing a website background but in this post, we will give you some valuable tips on how to make dark website backgrounds. Designing in dark is challenging for you have to consider a lot of things in order for the contents to be clear and readable. Dark websites are often used to showcase images, videos and others. In order for you to create a good dark web design, here are some tips for you.

1. Let the spotlight go to images, videos and others.

Dark website backgrounds are more effective when showcasing images like artworks,photography, motion pictures, products, and videos. Using it gives more emphasis to these elements and allows the user to have a clear look at them.

2. Choose the right color scheme.

Colors play a vital role in your website especially if you work with a dark background. Make sure that the colors you use will make your design look more attractive. It should also be distinguished from the rest of the design. The color scheme you choose should complement each other and should jive with the website’s theme.

3. Use a single bold color and use it repeatedly.

You may also choose a single color- primary color that you will use in your site and then use it repeatedly in the design. It also works well and gives emphasis to key points of your website. If you think it looks dull, consider the example below.

5. Use gray and white only.

You really don’t have to use many colors in your design. You can also try using the gray palette and your design will still look good. Some may think it looks dull but with the proper layout and usage of gray and white, the design will still be outstanding.

6. Use fonts that are readable.

It is important for texts in your web design to be readable. After all, it is what your website is all about. Use fonts that are easy to read and not the fancy ones. Make sure also that you use the right color for your font. If you use a dark font, place an outline or use a light background for your text so that it will be visible despite your dark website background.

7. Make a contrasting background.

Contrast is also important. Do that in your background for it will surely add a pleasing touch to your design. When we say contrast, it means that there are opposing elements in your design like light and dark colors. Play with contrast in your background and it will turn out greatly.

8. Take note of white spaces in your typography.

Consider kerning, leading, letter spacing and tracking in your text. You have to look into this to make sure that your texts are readable. White spaces in your letters are important. So, never take them for granted.

9. Try blending colors in your dark background.

Instead of using plain dark website backgrounds, you may blend other colors with it. Of course, you have to stick with your color scheme. Use the colors from your color scheme to blend with the dark background. It will have a lighter effect to your design.

10. Use minimal contents.

If you want to use more dark background, you can do that by using minimal graphics or text. It will look amazing for it seems like something has suddenly sprouted from the darkness. Try this technique to make your website unique.

11. Use color to draw attention to important points.

For dark designs, colors play a vital role. There are key points in your website. Use colors to emphasize them and to draw the reader’s attention to them. Make it easy for your readers to browse what is in your website.

13. Use glowing lights to add more visual appeal.

Glowing lights and glowing effects look really great in a dark background. This makes an element radiate and will make your web design more attractive. Just do not use too much of it ‘coz it might spoil the design.

14. Use textures, patterns, brushes and other effects.

With your dark background, you may use some elements that could make your design look better. Textures, patterns, brushes and other effects will do well to add an appealing touch to the website.

Indeed, as seen in the examples above, dark website background looks good and could still be effective depending on how you make it. If you haven’t try designing a website using dark backgrounds, why don’t you try doing it and apply some tips that we have given you? For sure you’ll find it challenging yet fulfilling when you see a great output.

3 October 2011

Windows, being one of the most used OS, brings great challenges for Microsoft to keep its users impressed in the next version of Windows.

Although Windows 7 has done exceptionally well since its release, Microsoft has been constantly working to make the next version of Windows a better one by further improving upon the existing features, and have added new impressive Windows 8 features along with a stunning UI.

Microsoft released the early version of Windows 8 on a prototype tablet last week. Those of you who would like to taste and experience the all new Windows 8, you can download the Developer Preview, which is currently in pre-beta version. The developer version shows off the current stage of the OS. It is available for free download, and comes in three different packages:

(1) 64-bit version – Only the OS

(2) 32-bit version – Only the OS

(3) 64-bit version with developer tools

Windows 8 features

Windows 8 offers a number of new Windows 8 features from its all new UI to Windows App Store and improvised security features. Here’s a list of new features and improvements which will arrive with Windows 8:

Support for both x86 PCs and ARM tablets

Windows 8 is the first edition of Windows which will work on both ARM based tablets and traditional x86 (as well as x32 and x64) PCs based on ARM processors from Intel and AMD.

“Support for ARM-based chipsets, touch, and sensors makes Windows 8 work beautifully on your choice of a full spectrum of devices, such as 10-inch slates with all-day battery life, ultra-lightweight laptops, and powerful all-in-ones with 27-inch high-definition screens,” Microsoft contends, in a Windows 8 Guide distributed with Windows Developer Preview

Windows To Go

The “Windows To Go” seems to be an exciting feature that basically allows Windows 8 to boot from a USB device (called as Live USB), including user’s programs, settings and files. The feature is designed to work with both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0, and on both legacy NIOS and UDFI firmware. However, Microsoft says that a user will not be able to “Hibernate” with this feature.

“Windows To Go is a new feature in Windows 8 that enables enterprise administrators to create USB drives containing complete, managed Windows images that users can use to boot and run Windows on any Windows 7 or Windows 8 capable computer. Windows To Go makes it possible for employees to use a managed device whether they work from home, a client office or in a free seating environment. This session will discuss Windows To Go, its hardware requirements and building compatible and complementary software.”

Another interesting thing about this feature is that, if the USB drive is removed, Windows will automatically freeze, but will continue to operate if the USB drive is inserted back in the next 60 seconds after removal.

Windows Store

To compete with Apple, Windows has confirmed the introduction of a Windows Store, similar to Mac App Store, which allows users to browse through Windows applications, while developers can publish their Metro-style apps on Windows 8 devices.

Few days back, Microsoft gave a strategic view of its app store, and gave a quick demo on how it works. Microsoft revealed that the Windows App Store will be the only place where users can access the Metro-styled apps. Here’s a quick demo that shows how users will be able to buy their apps:

Windows 8 User Interface

Speaking about the UI, Windows 8 certainly has got a mind blowing interactive UI, which has been extensively redesigned to a “Metro-style” design, which shows the most important information to you, embodies simplicity, and gives you full control over it. The UI is designed to provide a fluid and intuitive interaction and navigation with touch, or a mouse and keyboard.

Julie Larson-Green, Corporate Vice President, Windows who stated: “Everything that’s great about Windows 7, is better in Windows 8,” gave a quick hands on look at the Windows 8 user-interface. Here are some of the screenshots she released:

Windows Logon Screen – Unlike the traditional way of entering a password to unlock the screen, Windows 8 can be unlocked by just tapping on the right areas of the screen.

Windows 8 Start Screen – The Start screen is yet another impressive UI. The screen basically groups all your applications together, which you can easily drag and drop, or add new things.

Control Panel

Playing Videos in Windows 8

Windows 8 Task Manager

Improved Windows Defender

The Windows Defender which was first released with Windows Vista is getting a security upgrade with the upcoming Windows 8. This would probably edge-our third-party antivirus and anti-malware programs. Windows Defender will become a full-fledged anti-malware solution for Windows 8. This will include protection against all types of malware such as virus, worms, trojans and rootkits.

Internet Explore 10

In addition to that, Windows Defender will provide real-time detection and protection from malware threats using a file system filter, and will interface with Windows secured boot, which is another security feature.

The developer preview of Windows 8 comes with a Metro version of Internet Explore (IE) 10. Since it is a preview version, it does not support any browser plugins and extension – including Adobe Flash and Microsoft Silverlight. However, it will feature full screen browsing mode by default, implements several new HTML5 capabilities, turbocharges HTML5 performance, and adds some security options for Web applications.

Windows 8 Minimum System Requirements

It is reported that Windows 8 is expected to have the same system requirements as Windows 7, and will run on existing PCs/laptops that run Windows 7. Here are the following minimum system requirements to run Windows 8:

Processor: 1GHz or faster 32-bit or 64-bit processor

RAM: 1GB (32-bit) or 2GB (64-bit)

HD Space: 16GB for 32-bit (or 20GB for 64-bit)

We can expect Windows 8 to be launched sometime in mid-late 2012, however, it’s too early to predict the Windows 8 release date, since it is still under development. Nevertheless, the only question that haunts each and every one of us – Will Windows 8 win the battle against Apple which it had lost several years back?